ATEN Laptop USB KVM Switch CS661

When we think of KVMs we think of a switch of some kind that allows one to control several computers with just one keyboard and mouse, but there are other kinds as well. ATEN has sent me over what they are calling a Laptop USB KVM Switch, what is does it allow you to take over another computer via a USB connection, essentially creating a remote desktop session via USB. When active, the main or local computer takes over the controls of the remote computer and you see it’s desktop on the lock computer. In the name is ‘laptop’, but it can be used to connect any PCs together this way. The switch also has a USB port in it to allow sharing of a printer or other device as well, along with a built in GUI and file sharing as well. There’s no software to install, everything is self contained, and it even includes a convenient carrying case.

First up is a quick unboxing video for you, a little over two minutes, watch and continue on:

The CS661 Laptop USB KVM Switch takes a giant step forward from previous cable KVM models in the Petite series. In addition to offering simple plug and play KVM switch functionality for two USB-enabled laptops or PCs, the CS661 also allows you to quickly and easily transfer files between the two computers using an innovative File Management tool with an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). The CS661 Laptop USB KVM Switch offers the ideal portable solution for copying music, photos, videos, and other files to and from your laptop and home PC, or transferring files between your work and home PCs.

Features: -USB-to-USB Laptop USB KVM Switch with File Transfer functionality and USB 2.0 support -KVM functionality (dual PC control) – allows you to control both your Local laptop/computer and a Remote laptop/computer via the Local computer

When first connected drivers will install automatically for you from the KVM itself, takes only a few seconds and your ready to go. To enable the program on the remote computer you have to run it or have autorun enabled, once it is running on the remote computer you’ve got fulls access of it from the local PC.

There are blue LEDs on the KVM to indicate connections, and they’ll blink when transferring data as well.

You can run the program in full screen or windowed mode, there is a small toolbar at the top with a few actions that you can perform. The Toolbar has functions for: Open File Transfer, Toggle Full Screen Mode, Minimize Remote Screen, Send Start to Remote and Match/Restore Remote Screen.

File transfer mode works well, the local computer shows up on the left side and the remote computer shows up on the right side of the screen, then you can just transfer files easily between both computers.

That’s about it as to how it works really, it’s very easy and there’s not much to it, just hook two computer together via USB and you’re ready to go.

I did find that it’s sort of slow to react at times, the remote PC I mean from the local PC, but it’s nothing major to be concerned about. File transfers of course are limited to the speed of the USB, so don’t expect anything super fast.

It’s a great way to easily sync two computers together and easily transfer files as well, it could make a great tool in a tech toolbox as well for diagnostics and more.

Conclusion: The ATEN Laptop USB KVM Switch works well, is easy to use and makes syncing and transferring files between two computers easy. The addition of the extra USB port is nice as well so if need be you can share a peripheral between both computers. There’s no software to install so all you’ll need to carry with you is the cable itself in the handy carrying case.

Pros:Plug and play, no installationNice long cableCarrying case includedWorks perfectlyVery easy to use

I tried that to control my own laptop from my office laptop. The moment my own laptop screen saver kicks in, the session will be lost. Perhaps I missed a step or two. It would also be great to be able to log in remotely from my office laptop to my own laptop at the login console screen. Apparently it is not possible. The session between the two laptops can only be established when both are fully logged in.

Why I say that is if I use it to KVM into my servers in the data center, all servers are in the logout state. Perhaps it will work on servers (which I will try later), meaning the usb connection on the server end (and therefore the session) will always be on.

When the session between both computer is connected, it did what it says it does.

Mark

I don’t suppose this product is OS agnostic (ie: can I use my GNU/Linux netbook to control my headless GNU/Linux or *BSD servers)?